The Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is a marsupial with a large buffy brown upperside and white underside. This dunnart has a body length of 100-135 mm with a tail of 60-105 mm to make a total length of between 160-240 mm. Its weight is between 40-70g. The length of the hind foot is between 22-24 mm. The species has a dark brown triangle colour from above and below the eye with the point at the nose, and another dark stripe on top of the skull. A healthy dunnart has a carrot shaped tail filled with fat stores.

Distribution and habitat

Typically found on 8000 km² in the Mitchel Grass downs of riparian grassland's, between Julia Creek and Richmond in Queensland, it possibly occurs in the Mitchell Plateau of Western Australia.^[1] The Prickly Acacia is a threat to its habitat as it kills native grasslands. Cultivation and introduced species also threatens this dasyurid's habitat.

Social organisation and breeding

During the dry season, it shelters in cracks in the ground; in the wet season it shelters under vegetation. This nocturnal animal doesn't drink often as all the water it needs is in the food. Gestation is for 12 days with an average of eight young born. Males are independent in 210 days and females in 168 days. A 4-mm-long joey can breathe through its skin.

Diet

Insects and small vertebrates make up the majority of this species diet.

Status

The Julia Creek Dunnart is currently listed as an near threatened species by the IUCN.^[2] This is likely due to the invasion of prickly acacia plants and introduced predators such as cats and foxes.

References

This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2009)

• Menkhorst, Peter W. (1995). Mammals of Victoria. Oxford Press. ISBN 0-19-553733-5.